Strategy Associate

About EIT: The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford's purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity's most challenging problems. EIT Oxford will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT Oxford seeks to solve the world's most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: health and medical science; food security and sustainable agriculture; climate change and clean energy; and government innovation in an era of artificial intelligence. EIT Oxford is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT Oxford experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT's current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.

The Strategy Team plays a pivotal role in shaping and advancing new programme ideas, transforming them into impactful initiatives, and leading key projects aligned with EIT's mission. We are seeking a driven, analytical, and highly organised professional who excels in dynamic environments and enjoys working across disciplines. As a Strategy Associate, you will contribute to programme development, conduct in-depth research, and engage with stakeholders to propel strategic initiatives forward.

This position is ideal for someone with a background in consulting, strategy, innovation, or experience in research-intensive, analytical, or operational roles across industry, government, startups, or academia. The right candidate will have strong problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and a structured approach to analysis. They should be detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple priorities, and proactive in driving tasks forward. Exceptional research and synthesis skills are crucial, enabling them to distill complex information into actionable insights. Clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and cross-team collaboration are essential for success in this matrixed environment. Most importantly, we are looking for someone with a growth mindset, eager to learn, adapt, and embrace new challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Data Analysis & Strategic Insights: Conduct research and map out key data inputs for strategic initiatives. Define key metrics and performance indicators to support programme objectives. Synthesize data to inform decision-making and opportunity assessments.
• Market & Competitive Analysis: Conduct competitor landscaping to identify USPs, market trends, and key differentiators. Analyse industry trends, emerging technologies, and business opportunities. Provide strategic recommendations based on market intelligence.
• Regulatory Landscape Research: Map out the regulatory landscape for programmes or products to identify risks and opportunities. Support engagements with regulators, policymakers, and legal experts.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Support preparation for high-level meetings with internal and external stakeholders. Assist in stakeholder interviews, consultations, and data collection efforts. Prepare briefing documents, presentations, and reports for leadership teams.
• Project Management & Coordination: Provide PMO (Project Management Office) support, ensuring smooth execution of key projects. Assist in planning and coordinating meetings, ensuring key objectives are met. Track progress on strategic initiatives and provide updates to leadership.
• Strategy & Business Development Support: Assist in shaping business cases and strategic plans. Support data generation and analysis for partnership discussions.

Requirements:

• Experience in strategy consulting, corporate strategy, innovation, or business development is a plus.
• Experience in research-heavy roles (academia, think tanks, policy analysis, investment, or product strategy).
• Exposure to working in fast-paced, cross-functional teams in industry, government, or startups.
• Familiarity with one or more of EIT's focus areas is advantageous but not essential.

Desirable Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• No specific degree required, but backgrounds in business, economics, science, engineering, or policy may be beneficial.
• A passion or some background in at least one of EIT's four Humane Endeavours is preferred.

Benefits:

• Salary: £80,000 - £100,000
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.